How QOF works

QOF domains and indicators

The QOF has a range of national quality standards, based on the best available, research-based evidence covering four domains. Each domain has measures of achievement, known as indicators, against which practices score points according to their level of achievement. Practice payments are calculated on the points achieved and prevalence (see prevalence below).

Public health (PH) - this domain has indicators across clinical and health improvement areas e.g. smoking and obesity.

PH including additional services sub domain - this sub domain has indicators across the two service areas of cervical screening and contraceptive services.

QOF points

For 2014/15, there are a maximum of 559 points available to practices across QOF, which in turn determine payments. The key payment dates each year are:

by 31 March - practices are paid retrospectively for points achieved in the previous year. The pound per point for 2014/15 will be confirmed later in the year. The value of a QOF point differs across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

by the end of June - payments should be completed, although they can be made earlier when they have been agreed by the practice and commissioner.

Payments are subject to certain thresholds (targets) and take account of the national prevalence of diseases, by applying a standard calculation to all practices.

Prevalence

A practice's achievement payments, are based on the number of patients on each disease register, known as ‘recorded disease prevalence’. In certain cases, practices can exclude patients which is known as ‘exception reporting’ - more details are available in the Statement of Financial Entitlements. Strict criteria are used for this process and practices may be required to provide evidence of any patient that is ‘exception reported’.

Further information

The full set of indicators of achievement are outlined in the latest QOF guidance, published by NHS Employers, which is updated for each year.

QOF results are published annually for the following countries, by the following organisations: